Moylagh expects 1000 for jfk walk
The 2015 Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge has been launched. It will take place on Saturday 6th June, and will see hundreds of participants set off at 6am on a fantastic walk around counties Meath, Cavan and Westmeath. The challenge, which raises funds for the Irish Cancer Society and LARCC Cancer Support Centre, has raised over €170K to date to support the provision of vital services for cancer patients and their families.
The launch walk had over 140 people turn up to walk eight miles, with representatives from the Irish Cancer Society and LARCC. With numbers up 60 per cent, this year’s walk has the potential to hit a 1,000 walkers.
The Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge inherits its name from an endurance test handed down by John F Kennedy to the military in the 1960s to cover 50 miles on foot within 20 hours. The first JFK 50 Miles Public Event was first held in 1963 as part of a number of similar 50 mile events held around the country as President Kennedy strived to bring the country back to peak physical fitness.
This year’s route will allow walkers to take in 50 miles of striking landscape incorporating towns and localities such as Oldcastle, Ballinacree, Fore and Dromone. Places of interest along the trek include Moylagh Castle, dating back to 1470, Loughcrew Cairns which features 32 passage tombs approx. 5000 years old, Fore abbey a christian monastery settlement dating back to 640AD and a number of lakes such as Lough Sheelin, Lough Lane and Lough Bane, a beautiful lake which runs between the border of two counties Meath and Westmeath. Also along the route is the magical Mullaghmeen Forest filled with tranquility to revitalize any tired minds & bodies.
Funds raised from the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge will go towards supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s provision of vital services for cancer patients and their families. These include the Cancer Information Service incorporating the National Cancer Helpline and 12 Daffodil Centres in hospitals across the country, Care to Drive which is a free transport services bringing patients to and from their treatment and the Night Nursing Service which provides care for patients who are at the end of their cancer journey in their own homes through the night.
Gerry McDonnell (50 Mile Committee) said: “This is our 4th year running the 50 mile challenge, we are very proud to host and run this fantastic event. To date we have raised over €170k for cancer services in Ireland. Now a national event, this challenge is for all walks of life, young, old, fit and unfit. Walk as much or as little as you can, 1 mile, 5 mile, 30 or the whole 50. With registrations flying in, we are gearing up for a bigger and better walk this year. We pride ourselves on our community spirit, with a large support from the different communities, walkers pass through, providing not only support to walkers, but stewarding and opening their homes, providing refreshment and facilities.
Registrations are now open for the Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge. Visit www.50milechallenge.com to register or for further information.